Kerala Travel Guidelines

Before embarking on a Kerala tour one has to gather basic information. We provide A to Z information to the tourists on tour to Kerala.

Airports

Kerala has three international airports at Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi and Kozhikode. The biggest of the three is in Kochi. The state is well connected to most parts of India as well as the Middle East. Pre-paid taxis are also available at the airports. Some hotels offer free pick up services.

Thiruvananthapuram International Airport

Location: 6 km south of Thiruvananthapuram
Ph: 0471-250 0283

Cochin International Airport, Nedumbassery
Location: 34 km north of Kochi
Ph: 0484-261 0115

Calicut International Airport, Karipur
Location: 26 km south of Kozhikode
Ph: 0483-271 1314

Credit Cards

Credit cards are yet the norm in Kerala. While star hotels/ resorts and big business establishments will accept all major cards, you need to check at smaller shops and restaurants whether they do. The most acceptable credit cards are Visa and Master cards.

Drinking Water

It is best to not drink water straight from the tap. Bottled Mineral water is available in most of the shops. Locals usually boil the water and subject it to a purification treatment which results in an alarming reddish color, but don’t worry it’s only an herbal root that actually cleanses the water and is safe.

Dress Code

People in Kerala dress conservatively. Women keep their legs covered and cleavage concealed. Religious places such as temples have a strict dress code. Men need to be bare-chested and clad in a mundu. Women are dressed in a Sari, half sari or long skirt.

As for the climate, since Kerala is a land of torrential rains, it is advisable to have your rain gear if you are traveling during the monsoons. At other times, it is best to wear loose fitting cotton clothes since it is never too cold in winter and can get very sultry in summer. Nudity is not allowed anywhere in Kerala.

Dial-A- Service

The dial-a-service concept is yet to pick up in Kerala. Apart from emergency lines and enquiries for various departments only few such facilities exist.

Thiruvananthapuram
Ph: 0471-272 2722

Kochi and Kozhikode
Ph: 0484 - 278 3783

Food

On a tour to Kerala a variety of flavors can be experienced ranging from the mild to fiery. If you are not used to spicy food, don’t eat anything that looks too red. Each region in Kerala has its own specialties but whenever you go, you will come across seafood. Which does not mean there is nothing for vegetarians? In fact, this is a land that is a paradise for vegetarians. Kerala is a great place for those who like to sample local cuisines and there are eateries that cater to every kind of budget.

Hotels

If you are on a Kerala tour a wide of accommodation is available, especially in the three main cities. Home stays are increasingly becoming popular too. In the star resorts and hotels, it is better to reserve your room in advance, either online or through travel agents. Rooms will be available at lower grade hotels at short notice if you are just passing through.

Smoking/ Narcotics

Narcotics substances are not allowed into the state. Possession or trafficking attracts heavy fines and/or imprisonment.
Smoking in public places has been banned throughout the state. Some star hotels and resorts may offer smoking areas.

Tourism

Kerala tourism has grown tremendously to cater to every type of tourists on a tour to Kerala. Though most tourists on Kerala tour head towards south and central Kerala, the north is equally interesting. Travel guides maps, brochures and pamphlets are available at tourist information centers. These centers are open on weekdays from 10 am to 5 pm.

Visas

All foreigners need to possess a valid visa issued by any Indian embassy or high commission to enter Kerala. Visas are usually non-extendable but 15-day extensions are issued under special circumstances. Everyone who stays in India for more than 4 months on a tourist visa needs an Exemption Certificate (from paying tax) on leaving the country.

Wildlife Sanctuaries

To visit wildlife sanctuary, prior permission has to be taken from the concerned authority.
The Chief Conservator of Forests,
Thiruvananthapuram
Ph: 0471- 232 2217